Allegiant Air Planes More Likely to Fail

The first investigation of its kind reveals a shocker: Allegiant Air planes are likeliest to fail.

The Tampa Bay Times recently released results from an investigation – the first of its kind – into federal aviation records to determine mechanical soundness of Allegiant Air’s planes. And what the investigation found is a little bit disturbing: Allegiant’s aircraft are four times more likely to fail in-flight than other major U.S. airlines.

Last year, Allegiant jets had to land in emergency situations 77 times due to serious mechanical failures, throwing passengers into a panic as they tried hastily calling loved ones to say goodbye. These are the main findings, straight from the report:

• “Forty-two of Allegiant’s 86 planes broke down in mid-flight at least once in 2015. Among them were 15 forced to land by failing engines, nine by overheating tail compartments and six by smoke or the smell of something burning.”
• “Eighteen times last year, key parts such as engines, sensors and electronics failed once in flight, got checked out, and then failed again, causing another unexpected landing.”
• “Allegiant relies most heavily on McDonnell Douglas MD-80s, an aging model retired by all but two other major U.S. carriers. The company’s MD-80s fail twice as often as those operated by American Airlines and three times as often as those flown by Delta.”

Allegiant representatives have acknowledged the dismal report and note that yes, change is necessary in order to maintain a successful airline.

“I can’t sit here and say that you’re wrong,” Maurice Gallagher Jr., Allegiant’s CEO, told the Tampa Bay Times. “We’re very much focused on running a better operation.”

[Photo: Allegiant Air/Baltimore Sun]